Once your business starts looking to ship cargo internationally, you’ll immediately discover that ‘simply’ moving something from A to B is actually a lot more complicated than it looks. Managing international shipping is more than just making sure the right box gets onto the right ship – there’s customs clearance, a swathe of documentation, and the logistics of route management, among other things.

Who takes care of all of this? Your freight forwarder. Want to know more? Let us at Millennium Cargo share our expertise – after all, we’re a leading freight forwarder with all the experience you need to make the complexity of international shipping as simple as you hoped it would be!

What is Freight Forwarding?

Freight forwarding is all about management and coordination – we don’t physically move the goods, that’s the job of the shippers, but we make sure everything happens as it should. The core services offered by a freight forwarder include:

Arranging transportation – Probably the most obvious task is arranging the transport of your goods. This might be by:

• Air – Planes are fast and efficient, but can be expensive and have a greater cost to the environment.
• Sea – The main way of getting goods from one country to another, sea freight allows you to move almost limitless cargo globally and cost-effectively, though it is slower than air options.
• Rail – Cost-effective and efficient, rail is one of the main ways to transport goods over land. Coverage can be limited, however.
• Road – With the ability to go directly to your door, road freight is often the first and last step in freight, offering flexibility and reliability.

Dealing with customs—Ensuring the right documentation is in place for each country’s customs, as well as handling any problems that crop up, is one of the main services provided by an experienced freight forwarder. Their relationships will help ensure that import and export are as smooth as possible.

Warehousing and distribution – Need to store your goods ready for distribution? We are able to offer the solution for this essential part of international trade.

Cargo insurance – Things do go wrong, and having the right insurance in place to cover any eventuality is vital. A good freight forwarder will handle the insurance of your global shipments.

Supply chain optimisation – It’s not just about getting things from one place to another, it’s about doing it efficiently. Freight forwarders use the latest technology, the benefit of established relationships, and all their learned experience to make sure every step of the supply chain is dealt with in the best possible way.

Problem solving – Dealing with whatever happens, no matter what time of the day or night, takes skill and a great deal of calm understanding. Don’t overlook your freight forwarder’s ability to help when things get a little sticky.

What Are The Benefits of Using a Freight Forwarder?

Like any business, there are some things you can learn and do yourself, and other things it’s best to seek professional expertise with. Unless you want to struggle through your international shipping, spending huge amounts of hours learning how to deal with all the finer nuances of the systems, and effectively becoming a freight forwarding expert yourself, it’s best to work with an established freight forwarding company like us at Millennium Cargo.

We:

• Provide that key expertise and knowledge that makes sure everything is done smoothly.
• Know exactly how (and when) to make savings, ensuring that the cost of your freight is as low as possible without compromising the quality of service.
• Have the systems in place to do everything as efficiently as it can be done – plus the people who manage this stuff beautifully.
• Understand all the risks of international shipping and know how to minimise and mitigate that risk.

Through using a top-quality freight forwarding company you can focus on your core business, doing what you do best, and have us do what we do best – getting your cargo to its destination!

What to Look For in a Freight Forwarder

Not all freight forwarders are equal, and not all will be right for you. It’s important that you do a little research into your freight forwarder to make sure you build a relationship with the right team. Consider the following:

• Industry experience – It’s really important to get a freight forwarder who understands your industry and the type of goods you ship. Different cargo can have very different requirements (such as refrigerated units, particularly high-value cargo, import or export restrictions and more), so make sure you work with a freight forwarder who is used to dealing with your needs.
• Partner network – Freight forwarders are middlemen, sitting between you and their shipping partners, customs agents, and more. Select a company that has a strong global network of agents and partners to help you get a smoother experience and overall better deal.
• Technologically proactive – Technology plays a significant part in the cargo logistics industry, with new systems coming into play at a rapid rate. It’s essential that your freight forwarder has a business model that is aligned with these key tools. Technology means up-to-date tracking systems, unfettered communication, and enhanced visibility throughout.
• Customer service – Your freight forwarder should have a proactive approach to addressing your needs, putting your experience first and making sure that you are fully comfortable throughout the process. Equally, you need a freight forwarder you feel you can talk to, knowing that the person at the other end has your back. 

Shipping Smarter with Freight Forwarding from Millennium Cargo

At Millennium Cargo, we offer a top-quality service for all businesses engaged in international trade. We provide a reliable, premium service developed to streamline your logistics operations, keep costs down, and help you grow your business through a global network of expert partners.

Speak to our team at Millennium Cargo today to learn how we can improve your worldwide shipping.